Presentation Thurles was top of the pile at the National Musical Theatre Awards at a ceremony, which was held in the Fairview Hotel in Dundalk last week.
The school which has been staging an annual musical for many decades was thrilled and delighted when it was confirmed that seven of the cast members and three of the teachers from the very successful ‘The Sound of Music’ production were nominated for awards across twelve different categories.
And, the entire school community was even more thrilled when it was announced that they won eleven awards on the night: Áine Devitt (6th Year) won Best Vocal Female and Best Acting Female; Eve Ryan Dundon (5th Year) won a silver award for Best Acting Female; Elle Mason (5th Year) won Best Female Acting Co-Star; Nicole Ely (6th Year) won bronze for Best Female Acting Co-Star; the cast won Best Acting Ensemble and Best Comedy Ensemble; and they won silver for Best Set Design (David McElgunn, Clancy Construction, John Hurley & Gerry Taylor); the schools Music teachers Mr Patrick Conlon and Ms Bríd Wallace won bronze for Best Vocal Coaches; and last, but certainly not least, Ms Patricia McElgunn won silver for Best Director.
“We are beyond proud of our cast and production team and we are grateful that all of the talent, dedication and hard work has been recognised at a national level. Congratulations to all nominees – we are very proud of you all,” the school said this week.
These sentiments were echoed by many others during the week who extended their congratulations to all the award winners and to the school. The annual productions are always of the highest quality and there is much anticipation already as to what musical might be chosen for the 2026 production.